For you briners here is a test, weigh yer brine before adding yardbird and weigh after removing yardbird! There ain't gonna be much difference I assure ya! Not much difference means not much went into that bird. Don't take my word for it, do the test yerself.
I am a rookie but the only success I have had so far is chicken. Got 3 out of 5 calls with third out of 26 as my best and I have been brining. I tried Big Dave's test and shore nuff there was little change in weight. But I brined half the chicken and not the other half. Did everything else the same. The brined half of the chicken was juicier.
Tried the injection next time and the flavor was better. Next comp I am going to do both and look for my first win.
Thanks for the info Dave!